A Smoker No More

I have been taking Chantix for 15 days now and I have five days of being smoke-free under my belt at this point. Do I feel good about it? Sort of. I miss smoking. A lot. Probably more than I should for someone who smokes about a pack a day. But it had become my security blanket.
Smoking was what I did whenever I felt stressed, or happy, or sad, or bored or just about any other time I had a feeling that wasn't contentment. So now I have to re-learn how to process these emotions without reaching for my pretty little pack of Camel No. 9s. I was talking to another smoker earlier today about Chantix and he mentioned something that really struck a chord for me. Why is it that extreme sports like mountain climbing, stunt bike riding and parachuting out of airplanes are socially acceptable ways to die prematurely, but smokers are treated like they bear a scarlet letter? "C" for cancer, maybe.
Regardless, it is a typical double standard in my opinion, where people free feel to look down on others who are doing something they don't agree with. That same man told me that Everett Koop, former surgeon general and one of the founders of the anti-smoking movement, lost his son to a mountain climbing accident when the boy was in his early 20s. Why did Koop not crusade against mountain climbing? It is known to cause death in a high number of the people who participate in the sport. That's just something that really bugged me as I'm fighting the urge to go light up.
So how about you? Are there any of you out there who think I'm being ridiculous for comparing extreme sports to smoking? Or do you think I may just have a valid point? Maybe you have some suggestions for me to help fight the cravings? Post your comments, thoughts or even just tell me you hate this blog. But don't leave me hanging, okay?

Posted by on 10/10 at 01:17 PM

Jamie,

Congratulations on kicking the habit.  Today is my 54th birthday and I have smoked all my life.  I was actually up to almost 3 packs a day.  Yes, you read that right.  I am on day 14 with Chantix and today is my second day without “Ciggie.“  I knew from previously quitting some years ago for two years, that I would mourn the lose of my best friend.  So Sunday, I told myself that “Ciggie” had been in a horrible accident and that night I would be forced to terminate “Ciggie’s” life.  I am in mourning for my best friend again but I am bound a determined that she will not be resurrected.  I hope that you continue in your endeavor to quit and keep up the good work.

Joan Grups

Posted by  on  10/16  at  08:12 AM

Hi Jamie and Ms. Grups,

I just wanted to chime in here and say that I hope you are both very proud of yourselves and that you keep the good, but so difficult, struggle up.  I’m behind you both!  Nov. 3rd will mark the 5th anniversary of my father’s death from Stage IV non-squamous cell lung cancer.  I’m still kind of lost without him.  So please, when you don’t feel as strong, hold on - and remember - there are plenty of people right here who love and care for you and want you to stick around as long as possible!  You have no idea how many people left behind have no idea what to do without you!!  smile

Posted by  on  10/16  at  10:22 AM

Congratulations Jamie on your choice to quit smoking!!! I hope that you are still smoke free, as the last I read was dated 10/10/2007.
I also am taking Chantix, now seventeen days smoke free and feeling the same as you.  Where as my best friend gone but let me tell you that I really do feel better and can breathe so much better.  Keep it up and will check back on you to see how you are doing.

Posted by  on  10/17  at  12:29 PM

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